If you cast your ballot on Election Day, there’s a strong chance are you did it in a school or other public building. Schools and churches in the Mountain State are the most common locations for setting up polling places. And it’s been that way for a long time.

If you cast your ballot on Election Day, there’s a strong chance are you did it in a school or other public building. Schools and churches in the Mountain State are the most common locations for setting up polling places. And it’s been that way for a long time.

West Virginia voters will pick from among three candidates — Republican J.B. McCuskey, Democrat Mary Ann Claytor and Libertarian Brenton Ricketts — when they cast their ballots for the office of state auditor Nov. 8.

West Virginia voters will pick from among three candidates — Republican J.B. McCuskey, Democrat Mary Ann Claytor and Libertarian Brenton Ricketts — when they cast their ballots for the office of state auditor Nov. 8.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is responsible for monitoring and regulating meat and poultry production in the state, monitoring and protecting crops and aspects of the state’s food supply, training farmers, promoting agriculture and coming up with new agricultural programs for the state.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is responsible for monitoring and regulating meat and poultry production in the state, monitoring and protecting crops and aspects of the state’s food supply, training farmers, promoting agriculture and coming up with new agricultural programs for the state.

The high school graduation rate in West Virginia continues to increase and is close to 90 percent, according to data released Oct. 25 by State Superintendent of Schools Michael Martirano.

The high school graduation rate in West Virginia continues to increase and is close to 90 percent, according to data released Oct. 25 by State Superintendent of Schools Michael Martirano.

Kent Leonhardt, who ran unsuccessfully for the commissioner
of agriculture seat now held by Walt Helmick, has filed pre-candidacy papers to
run for the West Virginia State Senate.

Leonhardt, a Republican, filed papers April 23 with Secretary of State
Natalie Tennant to run in the 2nd senatorial district. That seat currently is held
by Sen. Larry Edgell, D-Wetzel.

Leonhardt is a veteran of Desert Storm/Desert Shield and
served in the United States Marine Corps. He and his wife own and operate a
380-acre farm in Monongalia County.
Leonhardt says his experiences will help him help the district.

"For the last 80 years, career politicians in Charleston
have discouraged job growth by creating an unfriendly business environment in
our state," Leonhardt said in a statement. "With valuable natural resources and
a willing work force, the 2nd senatorial district should be
flourishing. My years as a small businessman, farmer and career in the Marine
Corps have provided me with the right mix of leadership and experience to
represent the people of the 2nd district in the state Senate. I
pledge to fight every day on behalf of my fellow constituents for policies that
will improve the lives of our district."

Leonhardt put up a good fight against Helmick in the November
general election. He received more than 297,000 votes, or 48.4 percent and won
23 counties, including six of the nine counties in the 2nd senatorial
district.

As a veteran and farmer, Leonhardt said he would work to
protect veteran interests and grow the agricultural industry in West
Virginia.

"I am proud to live in a state that certainly goes above and
beyond sending our fair share of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen to
serve our nation," Leonhardt said. "We send our human treasure to help this
country and we need to do more to welcome them home. This includes providing
good jobs and a healthy environment. I guarantee I will do my best to serve
veteran interests if chose by voters to represent the 2nd senatorial
district in 2014."

If elected, Leonhardt will serve parts or all of nine
counties in North Central West Virginia: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Marion,
Marshall, Monongalia, Ritchie, Tyler and Wetzel.